BMW M3 vs Mercedes-AMG C63

The latest versions of the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 feature downsized engines yet are more powerful than ever. So, which is the best sports saloon?...

What Car? team

08 February 2016

What are they like inside?

Neither car is too far removed from the conventional saloon on which it is based. This means the interiors are well laid out and comfortable, but there are enough minor differences in both to set them apart from the standard cars and justify their price premiums. Performance-themed instrumentation, myriad badges and deep, supportive seats are among the obvious upgrades.

The Mercedes-AMG C63 has the better looking interior, thanks to the elegant ‘waterfall’-style centre console, bedecked in glossy piano-black trim, and lots of detailing. Put the driver’s display into AMG mode and one of the features on offer is a gearshift display that makes it easier to judge manual changes. The BMW M3 is a little more restrained on the style front, with fewer glossy finishes and less high-performance addendum.

What it lacks in outright visual appeal, however, it makes up for in quality. Although there are some harder plastics lower down in the car, it all feels solidly put together and all the controls have a precise action to them. The C63 follows a similar pattern and, despite not being quite as plush as you’d expect, it feels well put together, with good perceived quality.

Both cars have adequate seating for four, but the M3 is slightly more spacious. It has far more supportive front seats, which makes it more comfortable when driving fast. It also has the better infotainment system – it’s much easier to use than the C63’s.

Both cars are of a similar size but the M3 has a larger, more easily accessed boot. The M3 is also easier to see out of, thanks to its more prominently defined corners and slightly larger windows.